CHARITY RACE DAY RAISES THOUSANDS

With tremendous support from Sunderland AFC’s community charity, the Foundation of Light, a special football-themed race day has raised more than £19,000.

Taking place at Newcastle Racecourse earlier this month, the event raised funds which will be split between the Foundation of Light and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Held to herald the new Barclays Premier League season a football theme was prevalent throughout the day.

BBC’s Total Sport programme, featuring Simon Pryde, Gary Bennett and John Anderson, broadcast live from the event giving their predictions for NUFC and SAFC’s upcoming seasons as well as taking questions from the guests in attendance.

Guests enjoyed Premier Admission to the Gosforth Park Suite, three course lunch, race card and post-race entertainment including a live auction featuring some fantastic NUFC and SAFC prizes.

Professional tipster Roger Hart was also on hand throughout the day to offer some expert guidance to those placing a bet and Lady Elsie Robson attended as guest of honour.

Foundation of Light Event Coordinator Jemma Garrett commented: “We’d like to thank event sponsors Holler, our special guest Lady Elsie, the BBC Total Sport team, Newcastle Racecourse and everyone in attendance who made it such an enjoyable day.”

“Although there is a fantastic rivalry on the pitch it’s great to see that fans of both Sunderland and Newcastle can come together to support two charities that do so much to support people across the North East.”

On behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Liz Luff said: “This is our second year working with Foundation of Light on this Race Day and it’s something that we’re extremely proud to be involved in.

“Lady Elsie thoroughly enjoyed herself once again this year despite the weather and we’re very grateful to those that came along and supported us.”

The Foundation of Light is the registered charity of Sunderland AFC, working with tens of thousands of people every year in education, sport, health and employability programmes across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham. Structurally and financially independent of the football club the Foundation of Light relies on fundraising for 90% of project costs, of more than £3m each year.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation helps find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, including the clinical trials of new drugs, and directly benefits patients from across the North East and Cumbria.